Systems cost and performance analysis for a spherical torus-based volume neutron source

A cost and performance analysis of a spherical torus-based volume neutron s ource (ST-VNS) is performed using the SUPERCODE systems code. An ST-VNS, pr oposed as a reduced-cost option for testing the nuclear technologies necess ary for tokamak power reactors, will cost about 25% of the construction cos t of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor Engineering Desig n Activities (ITER-EDA) when it is operating in an initial test phase with 0.5 MW m(-2) wall load. Advanced operation at 5 MW m(-2) wall load is possi ble with surface elongation kappa = 3, safety factor q(95) = 10, confinemen t enhancement factor H = 2.3, and Troyon beta limit beta(N) = 5%, at a dire ct cost of about 30% that of the ITER-EDA. There is a narrow region beta(N) and H space which is useful for attaining high neutron wall loads. (C) 199 9 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.